Some Confused By Bush's 'Satanic' Salute

[paula777]

http://www.nbc4.tv/news/4116379/detail.html

Some Confused By Bush's 'Satanic' Salute
In Texas, Sign Shows Support For School

POSTED: 11:11 am EST January 21, 2005

OSLO, Norway -- President George W. Bush's "Hook 'em, 'horns" salute got lost in translation in Norway, where shocked people interpreted his hand gesture during his inauguration as a salute to Satan.

AP Image
President George W. Bush gives the "Hook 'em, 'horns" salute to the University of Texas Longhorns marching band as he watches Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C.

That's what it means in the Nordics when you throw up the right hand with the index and pinky fingers raised, a gesture popular among heavy metal groups and their fans in the region.

Residents of the Scandinavian country were taken aback when they saw the First Family appear to salute Satan during the inaugural parade.

"Shock greeting from Bush daughter," a headline in the Norwegian Internet newspaper Nettavisen said above a photograph of Bush's daughter Jenna, smiling and showing the sign.

For Texans, the gesture is a sign of love for the University of Texas Longhorns, whose fans are known to shout out "Hook 'em, 'horns!" at sporting events.

Bush, a former Texas governor, and his family made the sign to greet the Longhorn marching band as it passed during the inaugural parade through Washington during Thursday's festivities, Norway's largest newspaper, Verdens Gang, explained to its readers.

[Texasgal]

1. Not just people in Norway

People right here on DU have also been confused!

[tavalon]

2. Being from Texas

I've never been confused by it but since I think * is devil spawn anyway, I rarely correct anyone.

[no name no slogan]

4. When I was a wee headbanger in my pre-teens

we used to throw that one out, too.

In fact, Bloom County (the old Berkeley Breathed comic strip) had a "primer" for heavy metal bands, and he showed how to properly make the "secret devil handsign" salute.

[demnan]

3. Maybe the Longhorns thing is a coverup

maybe they really are saluting Satan!

[KurtNYC]

5. And what is Dan Quayle's excuse?

He never even imagined attending any colleges in Texas...

[GregW]

6. I thought it was "The Shocker"

[EC]

7. Good...

and I'll bet plenty of older Americans that don't know what it means are thinking the same thing...good, it's about time WE have something to start a little dis-information - whispering campaigne, just mention it to older people when you get a chance...you know...the hey did you see that type thing...